"Be Always Sure You Are Right – Then Go Ahead."
If you would like to know more about Davy Crockett’s rifle in the Museum of East Tennessee History, join us for a “virtual visit” with Joe Swann, airing tomorrow, July 9, at 1 p.m. Swann, the owner of the rifle, which has been passed down through his family since Crockett was a neighbor on Long Creek in Jefferson County in 1806, has recently written a book about Crockett’s East Tennessee years (1786-1812) and will be answering pre-submitted questions, from viewers like you, in the recorded segment. The program will be available via the Society’s Facebook page and our YouTube channel. This “virtual visit,” recorded in June, will not include a Zoom option.
Patriot. Hunter. Legislator. Legend in his time and now. David Crockett was born in Greene County near the Nolichucky River and moved to Middle Tennessee in 1811. His wit brought him political office and fame. Yet at the height of his popularity, he defied President Andrew Jackson and opposed popular issues, such as Indian removal. In the 1830s, Crockett migrated to Texas, leaving his family in Tennessee behind. Crockett joined in the fight for Texas independence and died at the Alamo in 1836 at 50 years of age.
In 1803, 17-year-old David Crockett bought his first gun, “Betsy,” a Pennsylvania rifle that he described as “a capital one.” Three years later, in love with a local girl, Crockett traded it, along with labor, to neighbor John Canaday for a “courting horse.” Canaday later sold the gun to James McCuistion, whose descendants still own it.
A native of Maryville, Joe Swann is the owner of Workshop Tools, Inc., in Pigeon Forge. He was co-owner of Cherokee Lumber Co. in Maryville for almost 30 years and currently serves on the Maryville City Council. Swann is a past chair of the Blount County Industrial Development Board, the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. He served as president of the East Tennessee Historical Society from 1999-2002 and as past president of the Blount County Historic Trust. Swann’s brother, Art, is a former County Commissioner and State Legislator.
Watch via our Facebook Page or on our YouTube Channel!
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